THINK TOGETHER.
Do you ever argue with your friends? What about?
READ TOGETHER
Proverbs 27:17. Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
A couple days ago we saw that true friends give good advice or counsel. They speak the truth in love, and, like we saw yesterday, they do it at the right time. In today's proverb Solomon uses a picture to make similar points – iron sharpening iron. Back then swords and knives were made from iron, a very strong metal. In order to make the blade of the sword sharper you would pound it with an iron hammer. Iron (the hammer) was used to sharpen iron (the sword).
Friends sharpen each other. This is what makes friendships different from your other relationships. Friends challenge and confront and give advice back and forth. Generally speaking, you probably don't do that with your parents, teachers, or pastors. Your pastor likely won't call you for advice. Your teacher likely won't ask you to give her constructive criticism about her teaching. Even your parents probably don't come to you with their problems looking for encouragement from you.
This is what makes friendships unique and special. Friends are equals. Friends share their feelings, their problems, their pains, on an equal level (unlike pastors, teachers, and parents). Friends make each other better. They listen to each other, and challenge each other to do the right thing. Friends don't just agree with each other all the time, do they? They also argue and fight. But those conflicts are what allow them to look inside their hearts at their own sin, and then let Jesus heal that sinful part of their heart.
Every person needs these kinds of deep friendships, especially as we get older. Are you choosing friends that sharpen you for Jesus or ones that make you dull?
Because of Jesus we always have a friend who sharpens us – him!
With Jesus we can be a friend that sharpens others.
DO SOMETHING TOGETHER
It's very important to make time for friendships. If your children haven't spent time with friends outside of school lately, help them plan a time when they can be together.
PRAY TOGETHER
Jesus, please bring friends into my life that will sharpen me for you. Amen.
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